Things to Do at the East-West Center

The East-West Center Arts Program presents performances and exhibitions by the finest artists and performers in the Asia Pacific region. EWC audiences encounter a world of tradition and innovation that spans the ancient and contemporary in the visual arts, music, dance, and theater. For more than three decades, Arts Program presentations have educated, enlightened and entertained audiences of diverse backgrounds and ages, illuminating cultural values and art forms of national and ethnic groups in the region. Check the website for gallery hours and for more information.

Things to Do on Oahu

Places to Visit

List of suggested places on the island to visit in your free time, in alphabetical order. Click on the websites below for visitor information, including hours, directions and fees.

Ala Moana Center ~ Hawaii’s premier shopping, entertainment, and dining destination with over 290 stores and 29 restaurants in a unique indoor/outdoor environment. On the ground level, the Center Stage features regular and special attractions of music and dance.Bus directions to Ala Moana Center

Inside of Ala Moana Center

Aloha Tower ~ Honolulu’s famous landmark is open to visitors and offers excellent views of downtown and harbor areas. A docking port of O‘ahu’s cruise ships, this historic site now includes the Aloha Tower Marketplace.Bus directions to Aloha Tower

Aloha Tower

Bishop Museum and Planetarium ~ Founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honor of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha family, the Museum was established to house the extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts and royal family heirlooms of the Princess, and has expanded to include millions of artifacts, documents and photographs about Hawaii and other Pacific island cultures. It also has one of the largest natural history specimen collections in the world as well as a planetarium.Bus directions to Bishop Museum and Planetarium

Diamond Head Hike~ Having last erupted more than 150,000 years ago, Diamond Head has become one of Oahu’s most famous landmarks. Along this extinct crater is a hiking trail that leads from the crater up to a very popular point, known for its gorgeous sweeping views of Honolulu, Waikiki and the ocean. Be prepared for a good workout so bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and wear cool, comfortable clothes and shoes.Bus directions to Diamond Head State Monument

Hanauma Bay ~ A nature preserve dedicated to safeguarding the fragile marine life in the Bay, Hanauma features majestic cliffs, crystal blue waters, and palm trees. Here, the snorkeler will enjoy exploring the coral reefs inhabited by a wide variety of marine life. Care should be taken because of strong tides on the ocean side of the bay.Bus directions to Hanauma Bay

Iolani Palace ~ A Hawaiian national treasure and the only official state residence of royalty in the United States, Iolani Palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs: King Kalakaua, who built the palace in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Lili’uokalani. Today, visitors can enjoy one of the most precise historic restorations and learn much about Hawaiian heritage and history.Bus direction Iolani Palace

Manoa Falls ~ a waterfall in Manoa, on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, featuring a vertical drop of over 200 feet (61 m). It is accessible from the nearest road via a 1.6 miles (2.6 km) hike during which you ascend 800 ft and end at the base of the waterfall. The length of the hike will take approximately 2 hours. The hike passes through many ecosystems and feels like an arboretum, which makes it a great photo-zone. The path to the waterfall is often muddy and slippery, and flash floods may occur at any time.Bus directions to Manoa Falls

Nuuanu Pali Lookout ~ It was at these scenic cliffs of Nuuanu Valley that King Kamehameha the Great defeated the Oahuans in a bloody battle in 1795, thus adding the island of Oahu to his realm. Various observation points offer breathtaking views of the island.Drive directions to Nuuanu Pali Lookout

Nuuanu Pali Lookout

Pearl Harbor Memorial ~ The USS Arizona Memorial, located at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, marks the resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors and Marines killed on USS Arizona (BB-39) during the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 and commemorates the events of that day. The attack on Pearl Harbor and the island of Oʻahu was the action that led to the United States’ direct involvement in World War II. Pearl Harbor also includes the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin, and Pacific Aviation Museum.Bus directions to Pearl Harbor Historic Sites

Shangri La ~ The Honolulu home of American philanthropist Doris Duke, Shangri La was built in 1937 and houses an impressive collection of Islamic art and is considered one of Hawaii’s most architecturally significant homes.Bus directions to Shangri La

Waikiki~ World-famous Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty and means “spouting water.” Today it is a vibrant gathering space for visitors from around the world where you’ll find world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, and hospitality. Waikiki is most famous for its beaches and every room is just two or three blocks away from the sea.Bus directions to Waikiki

Waikiki

What else did we miss? Let us know what your favorite places on Oahu are in the comments.